High TSH symptoms and follow up

[marcymarcy1]

I was diagnosed Graves Disease and had my 95% thyroid removed at age 17 (still have 5%). I have been on Synthroid ever since. I don't do well with non brand thyroid meds.

I had been at normal TSH levels during my past 9 months. Dr would order tests and I would call in for f/u. He did change me from 88mcg to 100mcg  months ago due to an abnormal thyroid test. Unsure which one.

I have been feeling badly lately - poor appetite, hard to concentrate - forgetfulness, more freguent migraine headaches (are headaches increased when TSH is high?) and poor sleeping (only 5-6 hrs a day) Those symptoms caused me to feel depressed. Another Dr gave me Lexapro (my sister takes it and swears it helps her). I took it and felt worse - even more down and immediately weaned myself off (without dr's ok). I feel so much happier since going off Lexapro.

I had dr visit and my TSH was 25 this time. It has never been that high all these years. I faithfully take my thyroid meds daily. What could have caused this to happen.

Dr increased my dose to 125mcg. for next 6 weeks with a follow up lab to see results. He says I should feel better in 8- 10 weeks. His follow up labs are only for TSH - not FT3 or FT4 too. Is this correct follow up on my problem? I thought I needed both tests to really know where I am and get me stable.

Thanks for your help.

[Barb135]

Yes, you should call your doctor and ask for the Free T3 and Free T4.  

I might suggest that a doctor who is adjusting medications, based only on TSH, will probably keep you very ill.   If he refuses to test FT3/FT4, you might want to think about a different doctor.

[marcymarcy1]

That is what I thought. Should I call my Dr and ask him why he did not order them?

[stella5349]

You may need the full thyroid blood labs done to see where your Free labs are.  Removal of thyroid tissue also does not eliminate the autoimmune issues.